For those searching for cracks in Manchester City’s armour at the start of
their Barclays Premier League title defence, this afternoon brought little
encouragement. Without coming close to their fluent, formidable best, Manuel
Pellegrini’s team showed enough resilience and just enough quality to make
the winning start that suggested they will not be knocked off their perch
easily.

That resilience, increased by the acquisition of Fernando, was required in
order to hold off a strong challenge from a revitalised Newcastle United. As
for the match-winning quality, it came with a wonderful back-heel from Edin
Dzeko to set up David Silva